MIAMI (CBSMiami) – While the Miami Dolphins spent big money to bring back nose tackle Paul Soliai, the defensive line took a big hit Saturday when defensive end Kendall Langford signed on with the St. Louis Rams.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Langford’s new contract is for four-years and will pay him as much as $24 million with $12 million of that salary guaranteed.
READ MORE: Heat Alert: Miami Beats Boston 109-103 For 2-1 Series LeadLangford is an extremely versatile defensive lineman who could line up at either defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme. Langford will likely be moved to defensive tackle in St. Louis.
It’s long been thought Miami was moving primarily to a 4-3 defense, but the signing of Soliai put that into question since he’s more of a 3-4 nose tackle. Losing Langford hurts Miami’s depth and takes away a starter from a solid defense in 2011.
READ MORE: Man Held Without Bond In Killing Of Baby, Babysitter In Coral SpringsMiami still has Soliai, Tony McDaniel, Jared Odrick, and Randy Starks to rotate through the defensive tackle position in a 4-3, or Soliai at nose and McDaniel, Odrick, and Starks rotating through at defensive end in a 3-4.
Miami’s biggest question if it carries through with a switch to a 4-3 base defense will be who is the pass rusher opposite Cameron Wake, who would likely be moved to one of the defensive end positions.
MORE NEWS: Report: South Florida Counties Have High COVID Levels, Despite CDC NumbersThere are some quality pass rushers available in the 2012 draft, but much of the decision on whether to use a first round pick on a pass rusher will be decided after the Fins find out about Matt Flynn and any other potential free agents.
